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Born: August 22, 1913 |
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Death: January 27, 2010 |
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Betty Rinehart
August 22, 1913 -
January 27, 2010
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Betty Geertje Tensen Rinehart, life-long resident of Nyssa, died January 27, 2010 at the age of 96 years after a long period of declining health. It is believed she was Nyssa's oldest life-long citizen. She was the eldest of four children, born to Dick (Dirk) and Hilda (LaFrenz) Tensen, and is survived by one sister, Tiena Bothamley, living in Texas. Siblings who died before her were Dick Tensen of Nyssa and Louise Peterson of California. Following schooling in Nyssa, Betty began her college career at Oregon State College. Interrupted by the Great Depression, she completed her teaching certificate at Eastern Oregon Normal School. After two years of teaching in Nyssa area rural schools she met and married Grant Rinehart, also a teacher in Nyssa. Five children were born to this union: Kristin Ginther (Daniel) of Williams, Oregon; Dirk Tensen Rinehart Pidcock (Karen) of Kaslo, B.C. Canada; Gretchen Kimsey (Rustin) of The Dalles; Jan Rinehart of Portland; and Triena Hiatt of Ontario. Eleven grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews have been blessed by her generous spirit. Over the years, Betty and Grant also welcomed two additional young people into their family as foreign exchange students; Lena Vafiadis from Greece and Ellen Lehen from Germany. They served as foster parents to several other teenage girls as well.
It was Betty's joy to return to teaching for several short-term appointments. One position involved relating to many Hispanic children. Supported by Grant, she regularly invited these children into their home, where trust and friendships flourished. Through her encouraging and supporting leadership many of these children had opportunity to participate in the Ascension School summer program at Cove, Oregon, an outreach of the Episcopal Church. Betty joined this church with her mother, Hilda, as a young adult and continued throughout her life to be a faithful and guiding presence for the congregation of St. Paul's.
In 1983 Betty was awarded the Bishop’s Cross, the Diocese of Eastern Oregon's highest tribute to a lay member. As well, she was deeply interested in political affairs, being a life-long, active Democrat. She generously supported many charitable causes important to her. For a few years she bought a lottery ticket each month with the plan to give away (whatever she won) to important causes. The family accounting business depended on Betty for countless hours of work at the typewriter during tax season. As long as her health permitted, Betty loved to visit her children and their families. It was always a very special treat to anticipate a visit. She proved to be the sharpest rummy player in the extended family. Another of her special gifts was to make the best cinnamon rolls on planet earth! Other special family times included gatherings with her two sisters and sister-in-law, Margaret Tensen. These four women have been at the heart of Tensen family reunions which have attracted some 75-100 participants of all ages. The role of care-giver was a major theme of her life. Besides her children, she provided care for her father, mother, mother-in-law, husband and cousin in their last months of life, and countless friends leaned on her for comfort and support.
When husband Grant died in 1982, Betty continued to live in the apartment next to the former family home. There she enjoyed a full and productive life. A special delight was her kitty, Mr. Wu, who filled her life with many moments of joy. In February of 2007 it became necessary for Betty to have more daily assistance which resulted in a move to the Nyssa Gardens. There, her open door, warm welcome and attractive room delighted visitors, family and friends alike. She made a special effort to learn everyone's name, both staff and residents. Betty was a clear thinker who maintained this strength to the very end.
Many, beyond her family, have given Betty loving support as her health failed these past many months: members of St. Paul's Church and especially Joe Wood; Dr. Travis Page was a trusted friend as well as doctor; the Heart and Home Hospice team and staff of Nyssa Gardens. Her family extends sincere gratitude to everyone who touched Betty's life for good. A Service of Thanksgiving for Betty’s life will be offered at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Nyssa, 1:30 pm, Feb. 10. In lieu of flowers, we suggest memorial donations to Episcopal Relief and Development, c/o St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Box 2395, Nyssa, OR 97913 or Nyssa Food Pantry, 415 Main St., Nyssa, OR 97913.
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